Associate degree or a Bachelors Degree in Nursing

by Daniel
(Madera, CA)

Your Question: Is it better to get an Associate degree or a Bachelors Degree in Nursing? What is the difference? Different salaries?

My Answer:
Daniel…you are not the first, and you won't be the last to ask this question. I believe the answer depends on you and your situation. Are you in college now and a 4-year degree makes sense? Is this a second career and you already know you don't want to move beyond working at the bedside? Do you want to start making money now and then maybe work on your BSN while already working as a nurse and making money (if so click here)?

An associate degree will let you work at the bedside just as a bachelor degree in nursing will. You will be able to work as a charge nurse and precept other newly graduated nurses. You might be able to start in management, although many hospitals are now requiring their ADN supervisors and managers to start working toward their BSN.

A bachelor of science degree in nursing will let you do all that you do as an associate degree nurse. In addition, you can go on to get your master degree in nursing and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife and many other things. In some cases, those with a BSN who are applying for floor management positions have a competitive edge. You will most likely need your BSN for any management position above unit manager.

As a new nurse, I believe the pay scale is very similar for both types of nurses. The difference in pay however is starting to affect those who want to move up their hospital's career ladder. Many places now pay more per hour if you have, or are working towards your BSN in addition to working on committees within the hospital.

Hope that helps clear this up for you! Remember, both associate degree nurses and bachelor degree nurses are both considered Registered Nurses once they take the NCLEX and get licensed in their state!

Shannon